SKITS back in spotlight this fall

The cast of Shell Knob in the Spotlight, known as SKITS for short, will be back on the stage again this fall with a new production.

With a whopper of a title, the old-time melodrama, "The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt or Make Sure to Wash Your Long Johns, Cause it Makes a Lot of Cents," will be performed by approximately 15 cast members from the community who have an interest in theater.

"It's promoting community theater," said Susan Ramonette. "It's a lot of fun, with audience participation. There will be a lot of booing, hissing and a sing-along. It's just a real fun night for everyone to get out and forget their troubles for an evening.

"It's also exposure to the arts, especially for young people who don't get that here. We put our heart and soul into it. It's a really good outlet for all ages."

As a community project, anyone who is interested in participating is welcome to inquire, Ramonette said, and the cast will find a place for them, whether onstage or off.

"If you want to be in a play we'll get you in," she said. "We'll find something for you to do."

Three performances will be held: Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 pm. each night, and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door and may be purchased in advance at the Shell Knob Chamber, Arvest Bank and Freedom Bank.

Ramonette said attendance at the show, which will be its fifth production since SKITS' inception in 2013, has been growing with each performance.

"We're hoping for 300," she said. "We had 260 at the last performance."

The group also has aspirations for the future that expand beyond the performances.

"Next summer, our goal is to put on an acting workshop for our youngsters, and we're hoping to get support from the Missouri Arts Council to make it a scholarship," Ramonette said. "It's such a confidence-builder for youth."

Ramonette said each production costs approximately $2,000-$2,500, and ticket sales go toward costs.

"It's a non-profit organization and a community project," she said. "So many people in the community have helped us. The ladies at the church do refreshments, and all those proceeds go to charity. It's changed people's lives in this community."

The cast invites the public to attend the performances, which will be held at Central Crossing United Methodist Church off YY Highway in Shell Knob.